An all-new Toyota Corolla sedan recently arrived in South Africa and while it can surely be regarded as a near-perfect Uber car, we reached into our imagination bank to envision something a little more exciting for one of the world’s most popular nameplates. Enter the Toyota Corolla GR sedan!
Render courtesy of Duwyne Aspeling – Cars.co.za
Toyota has a rich motorsport heritage that stretches over 60 years and its Gazoo Racing performance arm has experienced notable success in events such as the Dakar Rally, World Rally Championship (WRC), 24 Hours of Nurburgring Endurance Race and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Led by Toyota Motor Corporation President, Akio Toyoda, Toyota Gazoo Racing aims to harness its vast motorsport experience and transfer its learnings into Toyota’s road cars. To do this, Toyota Gazoo Racing developed a multi-tiered product strategy that can be applied to a wide range of road-going Toyota’s while also appealing to a broader customer base.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing tiers include GR-Line (cosmetic upgrade), GR-Sport (suspension upgrade), GR (power upgrade) and GRMN (high-power upgrade).
A GR Corolla hatchback is reportedly on the way, but will Toyota release a GR Corolla sedan?
You will recall in 2018, Toyota brought just 3 Yaris GRMNs into the country and we took great pleasure in putting this potent firecracker of a compact hatchback up against a range of rivals in a series of track and drag race battles (which you can watch on the Cars.co,za YouTube channel) and its performance was mind-blowingly good. Toyota has since revealed the new rally-bred Yaris GR, which will surely offer tons of fun behind the wheel, as well as the formidable GR Supra.
Even the Hilux bakkie has received some Gazoo love in the form of the Hilux GR Sport and a fully-fledged GR Hilux is likely to be in the works following a trademark application and there are more exciting products in the pipeline, which brings us neatly to the subject of this article, the Corolla sedan.
A potent GR Corolla sedan would bring some excitement to the C sedan segment.
The new Corolla hatchback came to market last year and Toyota has already revealed the luke-warm Corolla GR Sport and a patent has been filed for Corolla GR which implies that the boffs at Gazoo Racing are working on a hot Corolla hatchback that can be expected in 2023.
But, what about the Corolla sedan? This week, news from Taiwan revealed a Corolla Altis GR Sport and even Thailand released its own version of the Corolla Altis GR-Sport featuring different styling elements.
While there hasn’t been outright confirmation of a Corolla GR sedan, we believe it’s just a matter of time and the render above imagines what it might look like.
In terms of what could power the Corolla GR sedan, we suspect that the new Yaris GR’s 1.6-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 192 kW and 360 Nm of torque (a 200 kW/370 Nm version is also a possibility) would offer sufficient performance in the sedan’s application and mated with a snappy 6-speed manual transmission that would lay the power down via the larger front wheels shod with sporty rims and lower profile rubber.
Since Toyota doesn’t have its own rapid-shifting transmission, perhaps the Japanese powerhouse will employ the services of the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission which does duty in the GR Supra, or look to Lexus to send over a unit from its performance RC-F. Neither of those are great options as they are built to deal with far more torque than a Corolla GR could ever muster.
The Corolla GR sedan would also feature a revised suspension and braking setup to enhance dynamic handling ability and in terms of styling, it would follow on from the latest-generation Corolla with GR-specific details to set it apart from the standard Corolla sedan. Interior features would likely include GR-embroidered sports seats, a GR sports steering wheel and sporty pedals.
If the Corolla GR sedan does come to market at some point, it will go head-to-head with the forthcoming Hyundai Elantra N which will make for an exciting showdown in the relatively conservative and dare we say, boring, C sedan segment.
Do you think there’s a strong enough case to be made for a Corolla GR sedan?
Alfa Romeo has announced updated versions of the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio for 2020. Here are the changes.
Let's get the bad news out the way, the engine and performance have not changed. The 2.9-litre biturbo V6 still produces 375 kW and 600 Nm, and power goes to the rear wheels for the Giulia and all 4 wheels for the Stelvio via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Performance is brisk, with both claiming 0-100 kph in under 4 seconds. If you want more, look to the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA.
Now for the good stuff, the MY2020 Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio can come with an optional new Akrapovic exhaust with carbon fibre tailpipes for even more sound. In terms of design, there are new LED rear light clusters, 21-inch alloy wheels for the Stelvio, as well as gloss black detailing. Alfa Romeo is also offering a sporty accessories line with a carbon fibre front grille with "V" insert, mirror caps and rear spoiler.
The real changes can be found inside and under the skin. One of the big criticisms of the two vehicles was the poor quality cabin and the interior has been improved with what Alfa Romeo terms 'greater tactile and visual impact'. There's also a new leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear selector. Alcantara sports seats are standard, but you can opt for the carbon shell Sparco seats. The tech changes comprise an all-new infotainment system with an 8.8-inch central touchscreen display, featuring connected services and new interface design. There's also something called Performance Pages which show the temperatures of the main mechanical components, torque delivery, turbo pressure and power, as well as digital chronometers to measure acceleration and maximum speed. The two vehicles also feature level 2 autonomous driving.
Vehicle Warranty / Servicing Extensions Due to Covid-19
The car industry has ground to a halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic and as a result, servicing and warranty claims have gone unfulfilled. Here's a comprehensive brand-by-brand guide to servicing and warranty extensions.
The Covid-19 pandemic has severely disrupted our way of life and car manufacturers are keen to reassure customers whose vehicles were due for a service or repair. Many car companies are offering extensions to service plans and warranties, which we've detailed below. We've also attached contact details so you can get in touch. As we hear from more manufacturers regarding service plan and warranty extensions, we will update this article.
Audi South Africa
The German brand offers the standard Audi Freeway Plan which is a service and maintenance plan covering the first 5 years and/or 100 000 km.
In light of Covid-19, Audi is offering a 3 month extension period for valid contracts which are due to expire soon. This extension is based on 3 months from date of expiry within the prescribed period and not based on mileage.
For more info, contact Audi SA Customer Interaction Centre on 0860 434 838 or email: [email protected]
Volkswagen South Africa
Volkswagen SA has extended new vehicle warranties. “As the passenger-car market leader in South Africa, we want to release some of the burden that Covid-19 has placed on Volkswagen customers. As a result of this pandemic, Volkswagen dealerships were closed during the 5-week lockdown meaning that for many of our customers, it was impossible to make claims under their warranties in good time, that is why we are offering this free-of-charge benefit to our customers,” says Mike Glendinning, Sales and Marketing Director for Volkswagen Group South Africa.
If your new vehicle warranty or the EasyDrive Plan expires or has expired during the period from 27 March 2020 to 30 June 2020, Volkswagen SA will extend the warranty or maintenance/service plan periods with an additional 3 months. These periods will end 3 months after the expiry of the new vehicle warranty or the Volkswagen EasyDrive Plan. The mileage restrictions will not be extended. If your vehicle needed servicing during the lockdown period, you will receive either a grace period of 1 500 km or 1 month after the scheduled service.
Contact Volkswagen SA: 0860 434 737
Ford South Africa
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has added a 2-month extension to the service plan for all vehicles where the contract expires between 1 March and 31 May 2020. This applies to you if you were not able to complete the last service due to the national lockdown. This offer is valid on all Ford Protect Extended Products (excludes Ford Protect Extended Warranty) as well as all Ford Inclusive Service Plans, and is applicable from 1 June until 31 July 2020.
“We are committed to supporting all of our customers who are not able to service their vehicles within the prescribed Service Plan contract period as a result of the measures introduced to contain the spread of the coronavirus, and whose contracts expire during or soon after the lockdown period,” says Neale Hill, MD of FMCSA.
Ford Customer Care Centre can be contacted from 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday on 0860 011 022 or [email protected].
Isuzu South Africa
Due to the lockdown, Isuzu Motor South Africa has offered extensions of its maintenance and service plans by 2 months. This offer is for customers who have the standard service plan or have signed up for the Isuzu Mobility plan.
Chris Jonck, Isuzu Motors South Africa Executive: Aftersales, Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures, said Isuzu vehicles are designed and tested to provide owners with years of trouble-free driving. “It is mandatory to have your vehicle serviced according to the recommended service intervals. These intervals must be adhered to inside of a 2 000 km or 3-month window either side of the interval, however, during the lockdown period there is limited access to vehicle servicing therefore the two-month extension on the plans will give customers peace of mind,” said Jonck.
These maintenance plans form part of Isuzu’s Complete Care programme. “It is our personal commitment to safeguarding our customers and their vehicles at all times, built on Isuzu’s proven reputation for reliability, and ties in perfectly with our brand promise: ‘With you, for the long run’, as we strive to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Jonck.
Isuzu has close to 80 dealers around the country and you can contact its customer care line on 0800 047 898.
Honda South Africa
Japanese brand Honda will be extending warranty and service plans across its entire portfolio of cars, motorbikes and power products for the entire duration of the lockdown period. Note this extension is only applicable to customers who were due to have their products services or repaired during the lockdown.
“Honda understands that some of our customers may have reached the end of the included Honda Service Plan during the lockdown and that their products were due for a service during this particular time. We are also aware, that some customers may need to have their products repaired, however their warranty would have reached the expiration dated during the lockdown period. Therefore, we have decided to assist these customers by extending their service plan and warranty for the duration of the lockdown”, says Dinesh Govender, General Manager of Automobiles and Corporate at Honda Motor Southern Africa.
Mahindra SA is offering customers who are not able to repair or service their vehicles during the lockdown period between 1 March and 30 April will receive a complementary extension of 2 months. This extension not only includes service plans and the standard mechanical or powertrain warranties, but also applies to vehicles that were due for a service in this period. These vehicles may be brought in for up to 2 months after the lockdown ends for their required service, without affecting their warranty.
Contact Mahindra Customer Care on 012 661 3161 or email [email protected]
Mitsubishi South Africa
Mitsubishi SA is offering 3-week extensions for its warranty, 5-year service/maintenance plan and parts/workmanship warranties. “We have extended all active Manufacturer Warranties by 21 days so that owners can still have their vehicles repaired as per the policy documented and disclosed in the warranty and service book should relevant repairs be required during the lockdown,” says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).
Mercedes-Benz SA is offering extensions to help put customers at ease during the lockdown period. In the event of a customer's vehicle is due for service during the lockdown and the vehicle is still within the PremiumDrive contract, Mercedes-Benz South Africa will extend the service parameter up to 120 days or 4 000 km. If a customers’ vehicle is due for a Service and the PremiumDrive comes to an end during the lockdown period, Mercedes-Benz South Africa will cover the cost of the service and selected wear and tear items, provided the customer visits the dealer within 6 weeks of lockdown ending. Should a customers’ Premium Drive Plan end during the lockdown and the customer wishes to extend their contract, MBSA will allow this extension provided the vehicle presents no fault codes at time of quotation and contract activation. This will be allowed for a period up until 6 weeks post lockdown. Contact Mercedes-Benz SA customer care on 0800 133 355.
BMW South Africa
BMW Group SA (which includes Mini) has introduced some measures. There will be a 6-month extension for all services due during the lockdown period due to time, up to 2 000 km negative allowance for all mileage-based services due during the lockdown period and a 30-day extension for customers whose Motorplan will be coming to an end during the lockdown period.
If you would like to extend your Motorplan contract further or want more info, please contact BMW Customer Care on 080 060 0555 or [email protected]
Toyota South Africa
Toyota South Africa is offering warranty and service plans extensions. Essentially, any days lost due to lockdown will be credited to you, extending your service plan and warranty.
You can contact Toyota on 0800 139 111.
Nissan South Africa
Nissan SA is keen to reassure its customers that its new vehicle warranty does cater for service overrun. There is an early/late service allowance of 1 500 km or 1 month is allowed with the understanding that intervals between any two services will not exceed 16 500km or 13 months.
Renault owners whose new vehicle warranty has expired in the last week of March 2020 or about to expire in April 2020 will have their warranties extended until the end of May 2020. Customers who were due to service their vehicles between 27 March and 30 April 2020, now have up to 31 May 2020. Contact customer care on 0861 736 2858.
Opel South Africa
Opel SA has a message on its website saying, "if you have missed your required service due to lockdown restrictions, your warranty and service plan won't be affected. Includes exceeding permitted service mileage or expired warranty and service plans affected during the lockdown period."
Bugatti, which unveiled the handling-focused Divo at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2018, has commenced deliveries of its R100-million W16-engined hypercar. It will produce a total of just 40 units, all of which were pre-sold to Chiron owners well before the hypercar made its public debut.
The 420-kph Bugatti Chiron, which succeeded the Veyron in 2016, needs little introduction. Powered by an 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine that produces 1 103 kW and 1 600 Nm of torque, the carbon-fibre bodied, all-wheel-drive hypercar is the crowning achievement of the Volkswagen Group-owned French manufacturer. But, means allowing, those who want one, can buy one.
Ex-Lamborghini Boss Stephan Winkelmann unveiled the Divo in Monterey, California in 2018.
The same cannot be said for the exclusive Divo, however. When Stephan Winkelmann, who led Lamborghini for 11 years and was in charge of Audi Sport for a little under 2 years thereafter, took the reins at Bugatti at the beginning of 2018, the French manufacturer embarked on a project to develop a car based on the Chiron, but one that would have a distinct look, character and, although it would be just as powerful as its celebrated sibling, offer “a completely different handling performance”.
Named after Albert Divo – a French pilot and racing driver who won the Targa Florio in Sicily in 1928 and 1929 at the wheel of a Bugatti Type 35 (the French marque famously won the historic race 5 times in a row) – the Divo has undergone a rigorous 2-year development period and, according to Bugatti, the first of a limited run of 40 units are now being delivered to a select group of customers.
Bugatti has added a plethora of vents and ducts to the Divo's bodywork to improve the hypercar's aerodynamic and cooling efficiency.
You see, the Divo was offered exclusively to existing Chiron owners by dealer invitation. Within a few months of the initial design model being created, Bugatti flew those owners to its headquarters in Molsheim, France to present the Divo, which was “designed to be more sporty and agile in bends (the Chiron, but) without sacrificing comfort and… supremacy” (sic).
The design team – led by Bugatti design director Achim Anscheidt – optimised the Divo for lateral acceleration, as well as aerodynamic and thermodynamic efficiency. Compared with the Chiron, the newcomer has a bespoke bonnet, front spoiler and finned side skirts; they include several extra inlets and ducting to improve downforce, as well as engine- and brake cooling.
Note the NACA duct in the roof and the central fin that directs air over the Divo's rear diffuser.
The roof, meanwhile, features a NACA duct that channels over the rear wing, which is 23% wider than that of the Chiron, via a central fin. Although the rear wing does not extend, its angle can be adjusted for individual modes and continues to function as an air brake. The rear diffuser features a quartet of exhaust pipes to give the 8.0-litre W16 its unique sound signature.
The detailing is quite sublime… The intricate LED headlights have a flat light aperture of only 35 mm, while the tail-light modules consist of 44 illuminated fins, which are partly produced by a 3D-printing process. Inside, new sports seats with higher bolsters hold the occupants securely, while the steering wheel is partially covered in Alcantara and comes equipped with enlarged shift paddles.
The tail-light clusters comprise a series of intricately-stacked fins (44 in all) that were created using 3D-printing.
But back to the Divo’s raison d’être – its handling prowess… The Divo has similar engine outputs to the Chiron, accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 2.4 seconds and its top speed is limited to 380 kph (as opposed to 420 kph), but it weighs 35 kg less than its sibling, generates 90 kg more downforce (up to a claimed 456 kg at 380 kph) and, as a consequence, is capable of higher cornering speeds.
In fact, Bugatti says the Divo’s capable of achieving a maximum lateral acceleration of no less than 1.6 g; the newcomer is claimed to be able to lap the 6.2-kilometre handling circuit at the (Porsche-owned) Nardò testing ground in Italy a full 8 seconds faster than the Chiron.
The Divo's handling characteristics were honed using simulations, road evaluations and testing at the Nurburgring and Nardo.
Over and above achieving a lower kerb weight, higher downforce and "a more direct chassis setup", Bugatti adapted the Divo’s wheel cambers front and rear, stiffened its springs and fine-tuned the steering to achieve a more front-oriented handling balance and sharpen the hypercar’s responses to steering inputs overall.
Apart from putting the Divo through its paces at Nardo and the Nurburgring, Bugatti conducted more than 5 000 km of testing across all the newcomer’s speed ranges (yes, up to 280 kph) in the 3 driving modes: EB, Motorway and Handling; it adjusted the hypercar's setup repeatedly to refine it to a point that “all parameters were perfectly matched.”
A quad-tipped exhaust juts out from the Divo's shapely rear diffuser.
“The Divo is entirely different to drive than the Chiron. This is particularly evident when driving the car on twisty roads. With even more precise steering and greater downforce, the Divo corners comparatively faster and more predictably,” says Lars Fischer, the head of chassis testing and application at Bugatti. “Despite being a hyper sports car, the Divo remains well suited to everyday use.”
Bollinger bakkie is not only powerful, but it also holds double the Land Cruiser bakkie's load capacity.
American electric vehicle bakkie specialist, Bollinger, has revealed yet another adaption of its B2.
The Michigan company has already revealed its double-cab B2s, but Bollinger is now hastening the development of its workhorse variant: the B2CC.
Classed as a chassis cab, the B2CC would be known to South Africans as a single-cab and it has some amazing features. If you desire a battery-powered bakkie with superior off-road ability and a great load-carrying configuration, this is it.
The B2CC platform features hydropneumatic suspension, which can self-level and balance the bakkie, even when loaded to capacity – and this single-cab can move more than most. Bollinger claims the B2CC is rated to carry 2.25 tonnes on its rear axle, which is twice what most rival bakkies can haul.
With a flat rear chassis, the B2CC allows for many different utilitarian bakkie applications. You can rig it as a tow-vehicle or place a water-drilling platform on the rear. Bollinger also envisions a rear scaffolding and racking system, which would be perfect for building and maintenance contractors.
Beyond the significant payload and generous wheelbase that allows this B2CC such adaptability, there is the promise of excellent all-terrain ability. Lockable portal-axles enable 500 mm of ground clearance (most regular bakkies are half that) and should provide traction in all off-road conditions.
Powering the B2CC is a massive 120 kWh battery pack, spinning two electric motors – one at each axle. Total system output is an outrageously impressive 452 kW and 906 Nm, which means that even with 2.25 tonnes of whatever you need to move on the back, you’ll never be late.
Bollinger claims the B2CC will run 0-100 kph in only 4.5 seconds, which makes it faster than most hot hatches. For bakkie owners, the appeal of all that performance is in its surplus power capacity, with the B2CC having a 10 kW onboard charger/inverter system to power work tools.
The first Bollinger B2-series bakkies are expected to reach customers in Q2 of 2021.
Mercedes-AMG has already introduced an AMG version of its A-Class in South Africa in 2020, but there is more to come from the Three-pointed Star – Benz's Affalterbach-based performance division plans to introduce several more AMGs to the local market this year.
2020 is a big year for Mercedes-AMG, which has lined up a host of new products to unleash across the globe. While the Covid-19 pandemic has put a hold on the fanfare Benz wanted to stir up to mark the local arrival of the CLA45- and A45 4Matic+, there is still more to come in the form of big and small SUVs, and well as one almighty supercar. Here's what we can expect to arrive soon.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series
Mercedes-AMG has been working on this: the most hardcore performance car it has produced for quite some time. It has undergone extensive testing at the Nurburgring and boasts notable aerodynamic upgrades over the standard GT-R. We are expecting a power upgrade from the standard GT R's 430 kW and possibly some extreme weight-saving measures to optimise the Black Series for track use. From exterior details, we can tell there is a new bonnet, with massive intakes over the front wheels, a huge 2-stage wing at the back, as well as a quartet of exhausts built into a rear diffuser. Mercedes-Benz SA has this model pencilled in for the 4th quarter, or early 2021 (if things don't quite go to plan). That means we should see a global reveal of the Black Series in due course.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+
Production of the GLE 53 4Matic+ premium SUV is only expected to commence in July, but it should make it to South Africa by September 2020. It is planned to go on sale before the Coupe variant. Our first experience of the 53's 3.0-litre inline-6 engine was in the E53 Cabrio and we rate it as one of best of the current crop of Mercedes-Benz engines. Why? It's one of the very few modern forced-induction powerplants that can hit the high notes (with its finely-tuned exhaust pipes) when revved hard. It also uses a 48V electric to supply an additional 16 kW and 250 Nm of torque, but more importantly, it spins up a supercharger that cuts out lag before handing over to (an exhaust-driven) turbocharger that increases the top-end grunt. Total outputs weigh in at 320 kW and 520 Nm.
In S guise (the version that we'll get here in South Africa), the GLE 63 churns out a mammoth 450 kW and 850 Nm from its tried and tested turbocharged 4.0-litre V8. That makes it good for a 3.8-second 0-100 kph launch thanks to its 4-Matic all-wheel drivetrain. This should make for some shootout at the end of the year, right?
Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe (53- and 63 4Matic+)
The Coupe variants of the GLE AMGs are set to arrive in Q4, which should be a rather busy time for the Mercedes-AMG crew in South Africa. We expect these 2 derivatives to be launched in tandem with the above-mentioned 63 S SUV. The Coupes use the same hardware and software as the standard versions and are claimed to produce identical performance figures too.
Hyundai has released its first official images of the forthcoming i20 N testing in Arjeplog, Sweden.
Exciting developments are taking place at Hyundai’s N division as more performance-orientated products are expected to come to market in the very near future. The next N model to follow on from the i30 N, i30 N Fastback and Veloster N is the compact i20 N hatchback which has been cold-weather testing in Sweden.
Apart from releasing official images of the i20 N prototype testing in the snow, Hyundai has also released 2 videos which not only feature the i20 N prototype, but also the i20 WRC rally car and the awesome RM19 with Hyundai WRC driver, Thierry Neuville, behind the wheel.
Is this what the production version of the i20 N could look like? Render by Duwyne Aspeling, Cars.co.za
Engine and transmission details for the i20 N have yet to be officially confirmed but a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with at least 150 kW and 300 Nm is expected and a 6-speed manual transmission sending power to the front wheels is likely. It’s worth noting that Hyundai has developed a new 8-speed N Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) which will be offered on the Veloster N and i30 N, is also a possibility for the i20 N.
The Hyundai i20 N will rival products such as the new Toyota Yaris GR, Volkswagen Polo GTI and Renault Clio RS, to name a few.
Thierry Neuville had this to say about the i20 N prototype, “Very interesting car. Very precise. Very easy handling. The engine is revving nicely and the noise is very interesting as well. I’m looking forward to get this one to drive in WRC!”
Alpina puts its team to work on subtle styling with lots of speed for the 3 Series diesel.
BMW’s latest M340d is a wonderfully potent blend of performance and long-distance driving economy, but Alpina thought it could be even better.
The renowned BMW engineering specialist has now launched both a sedan and station wagon upgrade of the M340d. These new high-performance models carry the D3 S badge and are true to Alpina’s heritage of combining subtle styling with outrageous power, delivering what could be considered M3-levels of performance, with the benefit of diesel range.
Alpina’s D3 S exterior design alterations are very slight, with the most noticeable being those 20-inch multispoke alloy wheels, which reduce unsprung weight by 14 kg.
The anchor theme of these new D3 S cars concerns Alpina’s modification of the BMW 3-litre turbodiesel engine. Alpina’s technicians have managed to boost power to 261 kW and torque surges up by 30 Nm, to a new peak of 730 Nm.
Transmission software upgrades ensure that ZF’s eight-speed automatic gearbox is not undone by the increase in engine power. An electronically controlled limited-slip differential ensures sufficient traction and although these D3 S variants retain all-wheel drive, Alpina has reprogrammed the torque-slit sensitivity to be rear-axle biased.
Performance is predictably swift, with the Alpina D3 S sedan claimed to run 0-100 kph in only 4.6 seconds, whilst the station wagon is only two tenths slower, at 4.8 seconds. Top speed is slated at 273 kph for the sedan and 270 kph for the load-friendly station wagon.
Mindful of the speeds that its D3 S models can attain, Alpina has enacted suspension and brake system upgrades, to guarantee a balanced driving experience. Eibach coils are added to each wheel corner, to resist brake dive and provide bodyroll mitigation through corners.
Brakes are upsized to 395 mm at the front wheels, actuated by four-piston callipers, which make them 15% larger and better at heat dissipation than the M340d’s standard 345 mm front rotors.
Pricing
The Alpina D3 S sedan prices at and an estimated R1 390 000 (converted from Euros), whilst the station wagon version is set to retail for R1 430 000.
Hyundai’s N performance arm is gaining steady momentum as its portfolio of performance models continue to grow. A new Hyundai Elantra sedan was recently revealed and a hotter Elantra N is reportedly on the way. Is this what the Elantra N will look like?
Render courtesy of Duwyne Aspeling, Cars.co.za
Hyundai’s N division is redefining the brand’s image in the world of performance and with an increasing range of performance models coming to market and in development, enthusiasts have much to look forward to from the Korean automotive powerhouse.
In addition to the i30 N, other N models currently include the i30 N Hatchback and Veloster N. Hyundai is also developing new N models such as the Kona N and i20 N. A range of stylised N Line derivatives are also currently on offer in selected markets and these include the i10 N Line, Tucson N Line, i30 N Line and i30 N Line Hatchback.
New Elantra forms the base for Elantra N
The new Elantra features sharper and sportier styling, providing a good base for the Elantra N…
Earlier this year Hyundai revealed its new 7th-generation Elantra which is undoubtedly the most striking Elantra ever. Much of the new Elantra’s boldness can be seen in its new design language known as ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ which is evident in not only its vast cascading grille which merges seamlessly into the sleek headlight clusters but also in the body lines which meet at one point which Hyundai calls ‘Parametric Dynamics’. The new Elantra also adopts a sportier stance over its predecessor and it’s not only longer but it also sits lower and wider while also being lighter.
Based on what we know from current Hyundai N models, from a styling perspective, the Elantra N is expected to feature a number of unique exterior styling treatments to match its performance intentions. These additions include a sporty front spoiler along with red detailing also seen bordering the cascading grille. The Elantra N is also likely to ride on larger and sportier alloy wheels shod with low-profile rubber along with obligatory red N brake callipers which add a sporty touch. Front and rear N badges will further differentiate the Elantra N from its standard sibling.
More than this, the Elantra N will also feature an uprated suspension system to allow for enhanced dynamic handling ability and dual exhaust with a variable-valve system is expected to deliver a sporty engine note. Talking about engines…
What will power the Elantra N?
A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated with Hyundai's new 8-speed DCT is likely…
The same turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine found under the bonnet of the i30 N hatchback, which we sampled on local soil earlier this year, could very well make it into the Elantra N.
In the i30 N, this powerplant is offered in 2 states of tune including a 184 kW/353 Nm version and a high-power derivative with 202 kW/353 Nm, the latter of which is currently on sale in South Africa.
While currently only offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, Hyundai recently introduced a new N DCT to the Veloster N which is an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with a wet (oil-lubricated) configuration. This new transmission is expected to find its way into the i30 N but it’s also expected to be the transmission of choice for the Elantra N.
What makes this transmission particularly interesting is the modes on offer which includes N Power Shift (NPS), N Track Sense Shift (NTS) and N Grin Shift (NGS), which interestingly allows for the delivery of additional torque overboost for 20 seconds and in the case of the Veloster N, amounting to an additional 24 Nm.
As an alternative engine possibility, we also recently reported that Hyundai was testing a larger-capacity 2.5-litre turbocharged engine in a Veloster N prototype. If that is indeed the case, this new engine could offer significant gains and outputs could very well jump up to 223 kW and 421 Nm. That would make for a very powerful and entertaining drive in the Elantra N…
What about the interior?
The Elantra N's interior will be based on the new Elantra's design seen here, but with sportier finishes to match.
The interior of the Elantra N will follow on from the new Elantra, albeit with sporty accoutrements such as an N performance steering wheel (with shift paddles) wrapped in leather and suede, bolstered sport seats and sports pedals.
As seen in the new Elantra, the cabin design is far more sleek, sophisticated and indeed minimalist in its design. The Elantra N is expected to feature a pair of 10.25-inch screens which combine to form an extended display housing the digital instrument cluster and the touchscreen infotainment system which will offer Apple Carplay and Android Auto while also communicating key performance data to the driver.
From a practicality perspective, the Elantra is claimed to offer best-in-class rear legroom thanks to an extended wheelbase and the Seoul-based firm claims that boot space is some 8% larger than that of its Toyota Corolla rival.
Availability?
The Elantra N is not likely to be offered in South Africa…
We know that Hyundai is also working on an Elantra N Line derivative, which will likely be revealed before the end of the year. Logic, therefore, dictates that the Elantra N will follow thereafter which means a reveal in 2021 is likely.
It’s far too early to tell whether the Elantra N will be offered locally but it’s unlikely as Hyundai no longer sells the Elantra sedan in South Africa. Demand for C-segment sedans has dropped-off sharply in recent years as consumers continue to flock to crossovers and compact SUVs and unsurprisingly, there's even less demand for a performance-orientated C-segment sedan in our market. This segment is currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota Corolla and the Corolla Quest. Interestingly, while it hasn’t been confirmed just yet, there is a possibility that Toyota’s Gazoo Racing arm will develop a Corolla GR sedan which will be a sizzling rival to this Elantra N. Let’s hope it happens!
Volkswagen Plant to Become Covid-19 Medical Facility
Volkswagen, in partnership with the German government, will convert its plant in Neave, Port Elizabeth, into a temporary medical facility that will treat COVID-19 patients.
In collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Volkswagen South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Eastern Cape Department of Health, Volkswagen’s Neave plant will be converted into a temporary overflow medical facility that will accommodate up to 4 000 beds to assist in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Neave plant was previously used by Volkswagen for the manufacture of component parts but the facility is no longer in use and has been standing vacant for several months. With a funding injection of 5.2-million Euros or R107-million from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the 66 000m² facility will be converted and the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be procured for the regional tertiary hospitals, primary care clinics and COVID-19 test centres in the region.
The Eastern Cape Department of Health in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will manage and operate the facility and the plant will be made available to government until March 2021.
Volkswagen South Africa has committed R28-million to the project while also providing project management for the conversion and management of the procurement of PPE.
The conversion of the facility will take place in phases and the first preparation phase is expected to take between 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Volkswagen has also produced ventilators, respirators and masks in partnership with local businesses to bolster medical care in the greater Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Director: VWSA commented, “Solidarity is crucial in a crisis – and Covid-19 is an unprecedented global threat. Through collaboration we will be able to achieve the position of strength we will need to fight the Covid-19 virus.
“VWSA has devoted its time to finding innovative ways in which we can combat the scourge of Covid-19 and prepare the Metro to care for those who are infected. We are highly appreciative of the financial support from the BMZ/GIZ as it will help us to continue to offer support to protect our citizens and our country.”
Dr Gerd Müller, the German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, commented: "We will either beat Covid-19 worldwide together or not at all. That is why I support Volkswagen South Africa's plan to turn a currently unused factory into a facility for Covid-19 patients. Our contribution forms part of our worldwide Emergency Covid-19 Support Programme. It aims to strengthen and expand health infrastructure, provide emergency aid to stabilise regions in crisis and refugee camps, safeguard jobs and food supply."
